Integrative Yoga Therapy for Mental Health

Abstract

Today, yoga is practiced by more people worldwide than it was in the nineteenth century, especially as a medical approach and a way to assist in potentially healing different health problems. Yoga is a productive way for people to achieve mental health, relieve stress and live a more fulfilling life. The COVID-19 pandemic has created a sense of panic and fear, which has translated in various ways amongst individuals. Integrative yoga therapy has become more of a medical approach as people seek more natural and practical methods to solve depression and anxiety. Yoga teaches an individual to focus more on the parasympathetic system; through yoga, one will focus more on accepting circumstances rather than fleeing or fighting back. The deep breathing practice enables one to develop mindfulness, thus calming the nervous system and, in turn, enhancing mental wellbeing. Science and research have proven the positive effect of integrative yoga on health when used in medical approach. This paper discusses the three major phases of the yoga process, i.e., physical postures, the phase of recognition of the psychophysical effects, and the spiritual phase. Journal of Yoga, Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Raval A, et al. Yoga Phys Ther Rehabil. 6: 1086. www.doi.org/10.29011/2577-0756.001086 www.gavinpublishers.com